United Could Probably Field Two Teams and Still Win the League at the Moment

Clive Mason/Getty ImagesAnderson

When you consider that United are still carrying at least three players who many people consider not to have found their form this season—all of whom played today—it does beg the question how bad the opposition has been this term.

None of Anderson, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia sparkled. They were workmanlike today, and that gives a key to the difference.

The competition has been so manifestly unfair this season that there was a certain sympathy with the commentator suggesting that United should, like Barcelona and Real Madrid in Spain, be able to field a second team in tier two of English football.

For those who point to the lack of world-class individuals in the United squad, it seems somewhat facile to point out that it is that very depth of squad and brilliant teamwork that have won the title.

Certainly neither of these were in evidence from Sunderland.

People will of course look for individual factors, such as Van Persie making the difference. But as he himself would probably observe, he could not do it on his own.

Even if that isn't quite right, Saturday's team suggested he had total confidence his largely "second-string" team could get the job done so that he can take advantage of hoped-for tiredness in a Chelsea squad that doesn't have the same depth.

And the Blues surely have a greater need to ensure a Champions League place than an FA Cup semi-final berth?

Alex Buttner and Chris Smalling Are Set for the Future

In the midst of the disappointment for England on Tuesday, it could not be denied that Chris Smalling had an impressive couple of games.

While Joleon Lescott was abysmal to the point of utter lack of professionalism in that second-half collapse, Smalling looked calm, composed and in control for most of the two World Cup qualifiers.

He was much the same against Sunderland.

Indeed, he looks much more comfortable at centre-back than at right-back. One towering header to clear the danger when De Gea failed to come summed up the quality of his game.

With Michael Keane, Scott Wootton, Tom Thorpe and Michele Fornasier waiting in the wings, together with the likely future top trio of Evans, Jones and Smalling, United look secure in central defence after Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand retire.

Meanwhile, Alex Buttner put in yet another eye-catching stint at left-back. If Evra stays, Sir Alex could be spoilt for choice in that position next season as Fabio returns to join the other two in competing for the berth.

Buttner looks a much more competent tackler than Evra; he is almost as good racing down the wing, but he also has a compelling shot in either foot. No doubt he will get more exposure after the title is won.

Shinji Kagawa Is Still Not Strong Enough

Stu Forster/Getty ImagesShinji Kagawa

When he was at Borussia Dortmund, Shinji Kagawa seemed to run the show. Why isn't that happening at United?

OK, so he got a hat-trick against Norwich, which showcased his talent and clinical finishing. But any excuses about his injuries this season are now wearing thin because he still isn't wholly convincing.

That is not to say that he isn't a highly skilled and intelligent player. Can you be too clever for your teammates sometimes?

The problem is that he frankly still isn't strong enough for the Premier League.

Lionel Messi has a similar build, Ryan Giggs isn't huge and Santi Cazorla wouldn't win "Mr Universe." But you can't knock them off the ball the way you can with Kagawa.

Ultimately, it is about strength in the legs and seeing the physical challenge coming. But right now, it looks as if opposing defenders are relishing the ease with which they can push him aside.

No doubt Sir Alex will sort that out this summer because he is far too good and potentially far too important for the talent he showed in Germany and for his country not to manifest itself for United some time soon.

David De Gea Is Still Vulnerable in the Air

Stu Forster/Getty ImagesDavid de Gea and Nemanja Vidic Knock Each Other out

The encounter with his rock-hard captain won't have helped matters, but it once again highlighted De Gea's vulnerability in the air.

Vidic crashing into his keeper, head to head, suggested that the captain had question marks. Then later, Smalling had to make a critical headed clearance with De Gea rooted to the goal-line only a few feet behind him.

After the clash of heads with his captain, one started to wonder whether he might have had a "Petr Cech moment."

Although Cech fractured his skull and has worn a head protector ever since, the clash won't exactly have encouraged the Spaniard to tidy up the one residual question mark about his keeping.

There is absolutely no doubt that he is a world-class shot-stopper, and he has won over his many critics from last season.

But he and Eric Steele must sort out that last niggling doubt for good and all, otherwise Asmir Begovic might look a safer bet.

Nevertheless, if these are the only issues United have to worry about over the next six weeks or so, they will enjoy their summer holidays.

Meanwhile, the fans will continue to speculate that an outstanding team and arguably the best squad in depth in England can still be enriched with a couple of international class midfielders.

Unless the opposition also shapes up this summer, it could be a procession to a 21st title next year.